How Much Does It Cost to Run a Gas Fireplace? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to run a gas fireplace is $520. Most homeowners spend between $400 and $640, with fuel type, heat output, and usage habits driving the spread. Costs also vary by location, so your actual total may fall above or below these figures.

Gas Fireplace Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

The two biggest factors in what you pay to run a gas fireplace are your fuel type and where you live. Natural gas and propane are the two fuel options, and local prices for both vary significantly by region.

Fuel Type

Gas fireplaces run on either propane or natural gas, and comparing the two can be tricky because they are measured in different units and priced differently by region. The table below shows current nationwide costs for each fuel type.

Heat Output

Your fireplace's BTU rating directly determines how much fuel it burns and what you pay per hour to run it, with most gas fireplaces producing between 10,000 and 70,000 BTUs. A 25,000-BTU propane fireplace costs $0.62 per hour to run based on current national propane prices, while the same size natural gas fireplace costs $0.35 per hour at $1.38 per therm. To find your own hourly cost for natural gas, multiply your fireplace's BTUs by the current per-therm price and divide by 100,000, since one therm equals 100,000 BTUs.

Propane-powered fireplaces use 1 gallon of fuel for every 100,000 BTUs, also referred to as a therm. So, if you have a 25,000-BTU fireplace, it would go through 1 gallon of propane every four hours. Based on the current national price of propane, that would cost you $0.62 per hour.

To calculate the hourly cost of running a natural gas fireplace, multiply its BTUs by the current per-therm cost of natural gas and divide it by 100,000. (One therm equals 100,000 BTUs.) A 25,000-BTU natural gas fireplace at $1.38 per therm would cost $0.35 per hour to run.

25,000 (BTUs) x $1.38 (current gas cost per therm) = 34,500

34,500 / 100,000 (BTU per 1 gallon of fuel) = $0.35 per hour

Location

Your location has a direct impact on fuel prices and, by extension, your total fireplace running costs, with costs varying widely from state to state as shown in the breakdown below.

Climate

Climate shapes how often you actually use your fireplace, which directly affects your annual running costs. A homeowner in a mild climate like Florida will log far fewer hours of fireplace use than someone in a colder state like Montana, resulting in meaningfully lower yearly fuel expenses.

Gas Fireplace Ongoing Costs

Gas fireplaces require periodic maintenance (and, occasionally, repairs) to keep them running safely and efficiently. Here’s how much to budget for those ongoing costs.

Maintenance

Many gas fireplace maintenance tasks, such as wiping down the glass, replacing decorative rocks, and vacuuming the interior, are straightforward DIY jobs that cost nothing beyond your time and basic supplies. You should still schedule a professional inspection at least once a year, and an annual gas fireplace inspection costs $75 to $250 depending on your fireplace type and location.

Repairs

If your local gas fireplace pro finds a problem during your annual inspection, repair costs typically run $200 to $1,000, with the final price depending on the specific issue. Costs vary by repair type, as shown in the breakdown of common fireplace repair costs below.

Cost of Common Gas Fireplace Add-Ons

Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, or another part of your home, a gas fireplace makes your space feel warm and inviting. If you want to take these cozy vibes even further, consider investing in one of these add-on projects:

• Fireplace remodeling costs: $400 to $2,000

• Carpet installation costs: $780 to $2,800

• Installing new light fixtures costs: $160 to $960

• Painting a room costs: $300 to $2,800

• Home theater installation costs: $12,000 to $42,000

How to Save Money When Running a Gas Fireplace

Want to minimize the costs of running your fireplace this winter? These tips can help:

• Perform routine maintenance: Maintaining your fireplace is the best way to keep it running safely and efficiently. It also helps you identify and fix minor problems early, before they turn into major headaches.

• Invest in an energy-efficient fireplace: Traditional vented fireplaces aren’t as efficient as ventless models. If ventless fireplaces are permitted in your area, installing one can help you save on fuel costs.

• Use your fireplace as the main heating source: When everyone is relaxing in front of the fire, you won’t need as much heat in the rest of your home. During these times, consider turning down your thermostat to save on heating costs.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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